Malaysia shares progress at Manila disaster management meet

KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has shared Malaysia’s significant progress in Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR), particularly highlighting the National Disaster Risk Reduction Policy 2030, at the ongoing Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (APMCDRR) in Manila.

The Deputy Prime Minister said the policy marks an important shift in Malaysia’s approach to disaster management, with a strong emphasis on risk mitigation.

"It provides a clear mandate for integrating DRR into development planning and adopts a bottom-up approach, empowering local governments, community leaders, NGOs (non-governmental organisations), and the private sector to play an active role in reducing risks at the local level.

"The APMCDRR has provided a valuable opportunity for Malaysia to incorporate global best practices, adapting successful strategies from around the Asian Pacific region to further strengthen our own disaster management framework,” he said in a statement on Tuesday (Oct 15).

Ahmad Zahid who is the National Disaster Management Committee chairman also emphasised Malaysia’s commitment to leveraging advanced technologies for disaster preparedness.

"Our Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP) system enables early warnings up to seven days in advance, allowing for better disaster preparedness in major cities.

"This complements our National Flood Forecasting and Warning Program, which provides accurate forecasts for potential floods across 89 major river basins,” he said.

Ahmad Zahid pointed out that these comprehensive strategies had effectively reduced financial losses from the Northeast Monsoon from US$220mil in 2022 to US$60mil in 2023, demonstrating the effectiveness of the country’s DRR initiatives in protecting lives and resources.

"Malaysia’s efforts in disaster risk management remain steadfast, and today’s conference further strengthened our collective commitment to enhancing resilience across the region.

"By working together and sharing best practices, we can build stronger, more resilient communities, better prepared for the challenges that lie ahead,” he added.

While in Manila, the deputy prime minister also had an opportunity to pay a courtesy call to the Vice President of the Republic of the Philippines, Sara Duterte.

"During our discussion, we explored various opportunities for collaboration between our two countries, including expanding the halal industry, enhancing TVET (National Technical and Vocational Education and Training) cooperation, and exploring new trade prospects,” he added.- Bernama